Self-help Resources
Security | Windows | Other OSs | Software/Hardware | Internet | Web Design
About these Resources
Please read the Link Guidelines/Policies before contacting me.
COVID-19
- Reliable COVID-19 information | Health & medical links
- Virtual meeting software (downloads, configuration, etiquette).
Computer & Internet Security
Security Basics | Staying Safe Online | Internet at Risk | Privacy | Securing Your System | Recovering Your System
Phone calls from a “technical support” person saying that you have a problem with your computer are all SCAMS. There are many varieties of scams, all designed to steal from you. Just hang up.
Security Basics
See basic computer terminology and Windows terminology for explanations.
- Security basics — preventing unauthorized access
- Security strategies — preventing infections
- Security policies — protecting your computers & network
- Passwords: protecting your electronic signature
- Computer & device cleanup
- Safely disposing of computers & devices
Staying Safe Online
- Spam: unsolicited emails and mailing lists
- Identity theft — obtaining information by deceit
- Phone fraud — scamming by phone
- Phishing & email scams
- Safer browsing
- Mobile security — vulnerabilities in mobile devices
- Social media
- Virtual meeting software
The Internet at Risk
Privacy
- Your privacy at risk
- The surveillance economy
- Data breaches reveal personal data
- Restoring your privacy
- Encryption: protecting your data
Securing Your System
- Firewalls: your first line of defense
- ZoneAlarm Security: recommended security solution
- Security software: evaluations & solutions
- Malware (Spyware) Detection & Removal
- Ransomware: Holding your digital life for ransom
- Vulnerabilities in Internet software
- Windows Vulnerabilities
Recovering Your System
- Backup & recovery strategies
- Recovering your Windows installation
- System Restore — revert Windows settings
- Clean install
- Troubleshooting hardware issues
Microsoft Windows
Windows basics | Current (supported) versions | Upgrading Windows | Legacy Windows
Windows Basics
- Windows: an overview
- Windows basics — general concepts & terminology
- Troubleshooting Microsoft services
Current (Supported) Versions
- Windows 11 (October 2031?)
- Windows 10 (October 14, 2025)
- Windows 8.1 (Jan. 10, 2023)
Upgrading Windows
- Replacing Windows: Upgrading when support ends
Legacy (Unsupported) Windows
Support has expired for these versions and they are unsafe to use.
- Windows 7 (Jan. 14, 2020)
- Windows Vista (Apr. 11, 2017)
- Windows XP (Apr. 8, 2014)
- Windows 95, 98, ME, NT & 2000
Legacy Support
Support and solutions for very old computers.
Other Operating Systems
The following pages on this site deal with alternatives to Windows:
- Linux — distributions, desktops & documentation
- Mac — information & software
- Chromebook
- IBM OS/2, eComStation & ArcaOS
Running Multiple Operating Systems (Advanced)
Running more than one operating system on a single computer:
Software & Hardware
Concepts & Terminology | Software Recommendations | Networking
Concepts & Terminology
- Computer basics & terminology
- Windows basics
- The “Cloud”
- How to do a screen capture
- Is the desktop PC dead?
- Safely disposing of computers
Software Recommendations
- Recommended software — useful & reliable programs
- Internet | PDF | Graphics | VLC Player
- Office Suites | Editors | Utilities
- Updating your software
- Able2Extract Professional 12 review
- Web browsers
- Browser extensions
- Browser plugins: legacy addons
- Email software
- Shareware & freeware — definitions & sources
Networking
- Home networking — simple networks: sharing & security
- Sharing files between computers
- Firewalls — your first line of defense
Internet Issues
The following pages on this site deal with issues of using the Internet and Internet software. See Software & Hardware for downloads of Internet software.
Connection Issues | Finding Information | Email Issues | Web Browser Issues
Connection Issues
Finding Information
Email Issues
- Email troubleshooting
- Safer email
- Pocomail & Barca
- Email newsletters
- Email etiquette — using To:, CC: & BCC: correctly
- Spam — unsolicited emails and mailing lists
- Phishing: email scams
Web Browser Issues
Website Design
Building a Website | Design Issues | The power of CSS
The following pages on this site deal with website design:
Building a Website
Design Issues
- Can't see new website content?
- Designing for multiple screen resolutions
- Web design ethics: responsible e-commerce
The power of CSS
These are two identical pages except that CSS is disabled in the second example:
- Alice with CSS
- Alice without CSS (the display issues are intentional)
